Yes, absolutely, but as I am learning more and more about structural dissociation, I have come to believe that masking can produce a special type of secondary dissociation.

Secondary dissociation happens due to persistent trauma. It tends to compartmentalise the adverse experiences by creating what are called Emotional Parts who contain the trauma. Depending on the severity, these can be anything from sub-personality types to full blown personalities and identities.

So, when someone has a PTSD episode it is because one of these EPs needs to release some of the dissociated emotions.

In the image above (from Secondary Structural Dissociation | DID-Research.org) it is possible to get a graphical representation of this dynamic. We have the Apparently Normal Person (ANP) going around daily life while the EPs manage the trauma and associated responses.

The image below, by contrast, shows what happens (in my experience) with masking.

We create a lot of these ANPs that go about daily life. Work, family, social interactions, and whatnot.

When we are in a safe space and take off the mask it’s when we have our meltdowns, which are a very neurodivergent type of PTSD episode.

So, in my personal opinion, it’s not just about being honest, or authentic. There is a lot of potential for trauma with masking.

So, avoid masking if possible 😁💙

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